A True Ambassador To Netball!
Cheryl Danson International Umpire to Netball East Chair….
Cheryl Danson OBE is chair of England Netball, Chair of Netball East, Chair of the IFNA rules advisory panel, Netball Europe secretary and an ex international umpire. Having so many achievements under her belt, Cheryl is a real star and an asset to the region. Netball East interviews Cheryl to find out more….
How old were you when you first started playing Netball?
I was nine years old when I started playing at school. My school was Ramridge Infant and Junior School in Luton and from there I went to the Luton Girls High School and the PE staff really encouraged all the girls to take part in Sport.
Who has been the biggest influence on your Netball playing or umpiring career to date?
Two people, Sylvia Eastley and Mary Thomas! I played until I was 18 years old, then I was persuaded to go on an umpiring course. As I was based in Bedfordshire, Sylvia took me under her wing and supported and encouraged me to progress through the umpiring awards. Mary Thomas is a real role model who gave me invaluable advice and support when I was at International level. I continued to play for Luton based clubs including Phoenix for 30 years. But my main focus was umpiring and administration.
What encouraged you to go into umpiring rather than coaching?
Opportunity, Sylvia encouraged me to go into this area. If someone had suggested to me to go on a coaching course I may well have done that. As it happens I had fantastic opportunities in umpiring.
Which is the most memorable match you have umpired?
There are lots that are memorable for all different reasons, however the most challenging and the one that really stands out was a test a match at London’s Wembley Arena. England was playing Trinidad and the arena was packed! Umpiring at Wembley was amazing; it was our great fans that made it so special. It was even better than umpiring the Australia versus New Zealand World Cup final in Glasgow 1987.
How are you enjoying your new role as East Region Chair?
I am really enjoying being more involved in the region. We have a very supportive board and each individual has their own strengths and expertise. It really is a fantastic team.
What do you consider to be your biggest Netball achievement to date?
The one that has given me the biggest opportunity to make a difference and the most challenging is becoming chair of England Netball. I took up the role April 2005 and I am enjoying being chair and the challenges and opportunities that this role brings. It is a big time commitment, but I enjoy working with the Board and staff and members!
Having achieved so much in Netball what’s next?
My priority will be on the East region and supporting the continued development of Netball in the area. Another focus is the work we are doing with Netball Europe growing Netball in new Countries and smaller Countries. For example NE is currently working with Switzerland, Israel, Sweden, Cyprus and the Canary Islands to establish a governing body in each Country who can lead and develop Netball. And of course as Chair of England Netball there will still be much work to do. Also I am very excited about being appointed to the IFNA Rules Advisory Panel and the Game Committee and having the opportunity to lead the work on rules together with the members throughout the netball world will be great. And I am going to the Cooke Islands in August to attend the IFNA congress and to watch the World Youth Champs….so busy times.
Which Superleague team do you support or are you not allowed to have favourites?
All the teams are fantastic however I am a big supporter of our local team Mavericks! Seeing them win the 2008 Cooperative Superleague final against Loughborough Lighting was amazing!